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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Based on the information provided in The Hymns to the Dioscuri, who do Castor and Pollux protect?

2. How is Zeus described by the poet in The Hymn to Zeus?

3. Whose child does Demeter attempt to make immortal?

4. What type of arts is Athena known for?

5. According to the hymn, what does Hephaistos do for the men he represents?

Short Essay Questions

1. What type of goddess is Demeter and how many hymns are dedicated to her?

2. Which lesson does The Hymn to Hephaistos illustrate?

3. In what way does Hestia's power or presence compare to that of the other gods and goddesses?

4. What does the poet pray for at the end of The Hymn to Poseidon?

5. What is the explanation of the seasons according to the myths?

6. Who are the Muses and what influence do they have?

7. How does Anchises respond to Aphrodite's true identity and what is the result of their affair?

8. What is the reason given in The Hymn to Aphrodite for Aphrodite's attraction to mortal men?

9. How does Demeter reward the kindness of Celeus and Metanira and what is the result?

10. What are the main characteristics of Athena?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The compilation of The Homeric Hymns is discussed in the Introduction.

1) Define the term "Homeric" and why it is applied to the hymns that are featured in this collection.

2) Explain the hexameter form that Homer was known to use and how it is present in the hymns.

3) Analyze the different purposes of the hymns as they are presented in the Introduction.

Essay Topic 2

Explain how and why myths were written to be entertaining using the hymns to provide examples. Also, analyze the possible results of the myths and their effectiveness if they were not designed to be as entertaining, or could not maintain a person's interest.

Essay Topic 3

Aphrodite's attraction to mortal men is discussed in detail in The Hymn to Aphrodite.

1) Describe the birth of Aphrodite from The Second Hymn to Aphrodite and how she was received by the gods initially.

2) Explain why and how Aphrodite is attracted to mortal men and Zeus's involvement.

3) Analyze the plan that Aphrodite invents to become closer to Anchises and how he responds.

4) Explain the origin of Aeneas, what his childhood will be like, and who he eventually grows to become.

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